Your dreams are our dreams. When we’re able to help you afford your dream home, send your kid to college, retire early, drive off in your new car – that’s what makes us happy. Several of our employees were recently recognized for doing just this. We had 13 inductees into the 2013 President’s Circle for outstanding service in helping our Members achieve their dreams.

It happens every year; I go to the store to do my normal weekly grocery shopping, and I’m paralyzed with disbelief when I see bins of school supplies lined up in the aisles. Back-to-school stuff is out already! It’s really that time? Then it sets in. It’s August and my son is starting high school in four weeks, and my daughter, a first-year college student, in less than two. Regardless of if I’m ready or not, my finances need to be.

High School is much different now than it was in my day. I recall going to school with a five-subject spiral notebook and two pens. Now you’re given a list of supplies from the school. And you can’t show up with fewer than several notebooks, binders, folders, composition pads, utility pouches, “sock” book covers… Sock covers?! What happened to paper grocery bags? Add in the latest “kicks” and “threads”, and back-to-school shopping for a teen can put a pretty large dent in your pocket. So what can you do?

See what you have from last year that you can use again this year

Make a list before you even step foot in the store

Look for deals; supplies often go on sale

If the store offers, sign up for their rewards program

Have your kid kick in for their kicks. It teaches them a lesson about the value of fashion, and they’ll keep them cleaner longer.

College expenses are even more alarming. The best advice I can give is this:

Never underestimate the value of scholarships. Every dollar helps! My daughter worked hard and was a straight-A student. Fortunately, she applied for and was awarded two scholarships.

Community colleges can be a more affordable, sensible option. My daughter wasn’t exactly sure what she wanted to major in. Tuition is cheaper and we don’t have to worry about extra living expenses while she figures it out.

Check financial aid options. You’ll be surprised by what you may qualify for. It could mean piles of paperwork but believe me, it’s worth it in the end. Consult your child’s guidance counselor or college financial aid office to find out your options.

Thankfully for her school supplies, she was awarded financial aid with only a portion of the funds required to be paid back once she finishes school. And when it comes time to repay, she will benefit by building her personal credit for future large purchases.

Account for books. They can be pricey—up to $500 per book! Check online, get used versus new whenever possible, and once you’re done, return the favor and sell them back to the bookstore or to another student.

Living expenses. We’re lucky to have saved on this expense for the time being, but if you have children going off to school, don’t go crazy right away. Let them live in their space a bit to see what they really need, rather than buying a bunch of items they don’t need and won’t use.

Make sure your kid contributes. After all, they’re one step closer to the real world. They should be responsible for paying at least one student loan, and helping with either furnishing that dorm room, or if they have a car, paying for the gas/insurance.

Year after year, school shopping never ceases to put me and my husband under financial stress. However, we have learned that planning is key, and there are ways to save money. So before you ever step foot in a store, swipe your card, or apply for a loan, be sure to look at financial assistance options, and think before you buy.

With the Go Red Corporate Challenge entering its final weeks, we wanted to catch up with some of our First Source staff members who have been setting healthy eating habits, exercising more, and tracking their results. Today, we’re checking in with Michael Orsomarso about what he’s learned.

“So far the Challenge has taught me a lot about my personal eating/health habits. While I thought I was eating healthy for a long time prior to beginning the Challenge, I learned that my mentality of what exactly “healthy” meant was a little skewed. I have since changed my eating habits to incorporate more natural and truly healthy foods instead of what I was eating before: Greek Yogurt with Kashi vs. Regular Lowfat Yogurt with Special K, baby spinach and peppers with eggs vs. turkey bacon with eggs, etc. While whole wheat bread may be good for you, there are better alternatives and differences from one brand to another, such as the amount of sugar in the loaf. One brand of “whole wheat” bread may have more added sugar and high fructose corn syrup than another. I compare labels and make sure I know what most of the ingredients are, and watch for ones that I can’t even pronounce. Overall, the Challenge so far has definitely forced me to take a double-look at my eating habits and the foods that I eat. This is definitely something and a standard that I will hold myself to even after the Challenge has officially ended.”

Lisa Stuttard is a member of Team First Source and will be participating in her first Ride for Missing Children this week. We spoke with her about what her training and experience has been like so far.

“As I First Time Rider, I am honored to be part of such a tremendous event. Throughout all meetings and training rides, one thing has always stood out in my mind. “No matter how difficult the training ride is, how cold or how windy it is, or how stressful it may be to fit in meetings, nothing compares to what the children and families go through, whether the child is missing, or exploited. ”

“This has been a tremendous growing and learning experience for me. I am very humbled by the strength and encouragement I have received from the individuals involved with “The Ride”. Sharing the events of the day will be exciting and I’m glad to be able to participate with such a great group of co-workers.”